Christine Yaccarino
Spanish Fork
Summary
Results-driven education professional with a solid background in special education. Skilled in developing and executing tailored educational programs that align with students' unique needs and abilities. Strong focus on collaboration and achieving positive student outcomes allows for adaptation to dynamic environments. Extensive experience in creating and executing individualized education plans, utilizing adaptive teaching methods to meet diverse student needs. Track record demonstrates ability to foster supportive and inclusive learning environments. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, a willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills, poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Educator (Transition)
Provo School District
09.2014 - Current
- Teaching students with severe disabilities in a Post High Program (Ages 18-22) necessary skills to transition from a high school setting to a community based setting
- Skills taught included: Social Skills Training, Independent Living Skills Training, Accessing the Community, Vocational Training, and Functional Academics
- Supported the development of social skills in students through group activities and peer interactions.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to monitor student progress and refine instructional methods accordingly.
- Utilized alternative assessments methods, such as portfolios or performance-based tasks, to evaluate student progress more accurately for those with unique learning needs.
- Served as a resource for other educators seeking information on specific disabilities or accommodations necessary to meet individual learner needs effectively.
- Established strong relationships with parents and caregivers, promoting collaborative efforts for student success.
- Improved student engagement by implementing creative, hands-on learning approaches and modifying curriculum materials.
- Delivered differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom setting.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on innovative teaching practices in special education settings.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
ESE Support Facilitator
J Franklyn Keller Intermediate School
08.2003 - 08.2014
- Implementing and utilizing the REWARDS Program to elevate word attack skills and fluency rates
- Creating individualized educational plan goals, objectives, and present levels
- Contributed to professional learning communities by sharing expertise in ESE support facilitation, promoting collaboration between general education and special education staff members.
- Supported the development of social skills among students with disabilities through targeted group activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Fostered a positive classroom culture by promoting respect, empathy, and understanding among students of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
- Strengthened teacher-student relationships by serving as a liaison between general education staff and special education students.
- Participated in IEP meetings, contributing valuable insights on student progress and advocating for appropriate accommodations and modifications.
- Monitored data collection processes to ensure accuracy and consistency in measuring student progress toward IEP goals.
- Provided direct instruction to small groups of ESE students, targeting specific academic or behavioral needs identified in their IEPs.
- Assisted in the creation of personalized learning plans for ESE students, setting achievable goals based on individual skill levels and strengths.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
Family Assessment and Support Worker
Baker County Health Department
05.2002 - 08.2003
- Conducted prenatal assessments to evaluate child abuse risk factors
- Utilized and implemented developmental curriculum to foster positive parenting techniques, thus enhancing familial relations among impoverished populations and reducing the risk of child abuse
- Helped clients manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills.
- Established trusting relationships with clients and their families through empathetic communication and active listening.
- Adapted quickly to changing work environments while maintaining high levels of productivity and professionalism under pressure.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining client safety.
- Assisted clients in accessing available resources such as housing options, financial supports, and healthcare services.
- Provided emotional support to clients, improving their mental health and overall wellbeing.
- Conducted home visits to assess clients' home environment and provide support.
Prenatal Assessment Worker
Baker County Health Department
10.2001 - 05.2002
- Conducted prenatal assessments utilizing risk screening instruments that examined unhealthy pregnancy factors.
- Administered educational literature to prohibit low birth weight and infant mortality.
- Liaison for prenatal mothers to community resources.
- Established strong working relationships with clients through excellent communication skills, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT06-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
St Leo University
Lake City, FL05-2003
Skills
- Inclusion strategies
- Classroom organization
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Social skills training
- Data collection
- Autism spectrum
- IEP planning
- Transition planning
- Team collaboration
- Differentiated instruction
- Life skills instruction
- Community resource referrals
Timeline
Special Educator (Transition)
Provo School District
09.2014 - Current
ESE Support Facilitator
J Franklyn Keller Intermediate School
08.2003 - 08.2014
Family Assessment and Support Worker
Baker County Health Department
05.2002 - 08.2003
Prenatal Assessment Worker
Baker County Health Department
10.2001 - 05.2002
Master of Science - Special Education
Brigham Young University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
St Leo University